Gnocchi is a store cupboard, or rather fridge, staple in my house, and a great alternative to rice or pasta. I know that it is relatively easy to make, and I have done so on many occasion, but when you need something quick, easy and tasty to put on the table, shop bought does the trick with the right sauce. And this is so the right sauce.
In an attempt to be more healthy after the strict lock down in France, we have been exchanging our aperitif on the terrace for a walk before dinner, cutting back on alcohol and nibbles, and getting some extra exercise.
I don’t always feel like cooking anything fancy when we return, so things that I can prepare in advance have become very popular.
This sauce can be made earlier in the day, or left in a slow cooker while you join me in a pre dinner amble.
I love the soft, mellow, early evening light that casts long shadows over the fields, that look like fields of gold, and turns the coats of the white Charolais cows into a buttery cream.
Ingredients
A good glug of olive oil
1 small shallot very finely chopped
1 clove garlic crushed
1 small red pepper very finely chopped
A centimetre of red chilli very finely chopped
1 small branch of celery very finely sliced
3 – 4 fresh ripe tomatoes roughly chopped
1 tablespoon of tomato puree
A little glug of red wine vinegar
3 teaspoons of dried oregano
1 teaspoon of fennel seeds
Salt and pepper to taste
250 ml of hot water
Method
Gently saute the shallot, garlic and chilli for 2-3 minute taking care not to brown.
Add the peppers and cook for a further 2 minutes, then the tomatoes and continue to cook gently until all softened.
Add the fennel seeds, oregano, tomato- puree and red wine vinegar and stir together.
Add the water and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Cover and gently simmer similar for around 40 minutes.
Cook the gnocchi as per instructions, drain and tip into the sauce until all is coated.
Serve immediately in pre warmed dishes with fresh basil or parsley.
A little grated parmesan is also a good compliment to this simple, tasty and colourful supper dish.
Bon Apetit
A Taste of two Cities 